What common mistakes do athletes make when seeking sponsorships that turn brands off?

Being impatient and aggressive after initial outreach (following up angrily within days), reaching out only days before an event expecting quick turnaround, not using or knowing the product before asking for sponsorship, sending generic DMs without building relationships first, expecting cash immediately rather than starting with product, and getting upset when offered product-only deals. Robert Wilson noted that if someone shows they're impatient and hotheaded before even starting a relationship, that's not someone brands want representing them.